3-On Your Side: Reselling Groupons

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — They’re some of the most popular ways people are getting big discount deals on everything from spa treatments to eating out. But what if you buy into a deal and then change your mind or you’re running out of time to use it? Well 3-On Your Side’s Jim Donovan has you covered.

Cooking lessons, a day of skiing, rock climbing, even sky diving, Kelly Chronley has tried them all at a fraction of what they would normally cost. She says, “It helps me enjoy life on a limited budget.” Kelly relies on sites like Groupon, Living Social and Buy With Me which offer all kinds of services at deep discounts. But every once in a while, they don’t work out. She says, “I had bought a Groupon for a yoga studio in the area and I was just too busy to use it.”

But Kelly didn’t lose her money, instead she posted her Groupon on Couprecoup, one of several new sites where you can re-sell unwanted Groupons and other certificates. Kelly says, “Within a week somebody had emailed me and we were able to meet up, cash for the Groupon, all set.”

Sometimes you’ll even pay less than original deal! For example the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts normally offers a 60 minute introductory class for $27. In December they offered a Groupon promotion for $13. But it’s now up for sale on Couprecoup for $8.

Watch the video…

Anthony Rossano, the owner of Bernard’s Salon & Spa in Marlton, New Jersey, which has run several Groupon promotions says the resale market doesn’t impact his bottom line. in fact he welcomes it. According to Rossano, “I don’t want anybody who expires to actually have their gift certificate go in the trash, so basically we’re hoping to get that customer even thru this secondary market, so I think it’s a great idea.”

You can buy and sell your Groupon, Living Social and Restaurant.com certificates for free on Couprecoup. Some other sites charge a fee. In any case, while the buyer and seller agree on the form of payment, I suggest using cash or Paypal and of course be sure to pay attention to the expiration date and details related to the deal.

Jim Donovan is anchor of CBS 3’s Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon.
The 15-time Emmy Award-winner joined CBS 3 as its “On Your Side” consumer reporter in 2004. In April, 2016, he stepped up to the anchor desk to rela...